Keep your head up!

John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

I read a story about a new young partner in a law firm. The senior partners had set extremely high standards and had coached him carefully. He did well in some minor trials but lost his first big case. When the partners reviewed the trial, they pointed out his errors and suggested different strategies. Even with all their critique, he lost the next big one. He felt terrible. Were they ready to give him the boot?

Amidst his uncertainty, one compassionate partner pulled him aside. With a reassuring tone, the partner said, “You’re learning from each experience. Keep pushing forward; victories will come. Your position here is solid. You’re one of us.” These words provided the encouragement he desperately needed at that moment.

As believers, we often need to encounter moments of divine reassurance, especially when we struggle. This story reflects the compassionate reassurance we sometimes need. God, in His infinite wisdom and kindness, gently reminds us, “Yes, you have made mistakes, but do not fear—your place in My kingdom is secure.”

God’s assurance of our security is a gift that sustains us daily. We must embrace this truth, allowing it to bring peace to our hearts.

When we truly grasp the depth of God’s security, we are empowered to extend similar compassion and reassurance to our brothers and sisters in faith.

Max Lucado encapsulates this beautifully: “Our task is to stand tall in God’s love, secure in our place, sparkling in kindness, surrounded by His goodness, freely giving to all who come our way.” This is a call to not only receive God’s love but also actively live it out by extending grace and kindness to those around us.

Everyone needs affirmation now and then—this is your reminder that your relationship with God is unshakable and secure despite your imperfections.

Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy Devotions. This devotional was originally published on Worthy Devotions and was reproduced with permission.

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We’ve been serving in full-time ministry for over 25 years now, and throughout that journey, we’ve certainly experienced our share of trials and tribulations. Sometimes in life, we ask, “Lord, will this ever end?” And if you haven’t noticed, the challenges often don’t stop. But here’s the encouraging part: with every faith-testing moment, our spiritual endurance grows, our character is refined, and our trust in God deepens.

Epraphras is not a name you hear much of. He was a member of the church in Colosse, and obviously a dear saint in the Lord. We know that he suffered imprisonment with Paul at one time. But the thing that really impresses me about this saint is what Paul wrote about him– he always wrestled in prayer!

We often develop strategies, game-plans, life-plans – and then, at some obstacle or critical point, we say – “Just stick to the plan!” It’s usually good advice.

Life is always sending unexpected surprises, but praise God, nothing takes Him by surprise. He’s the master planner. Our family might turn against us, our friends let us down, illness, afflictions, problems and “situations” on every side…God still has a plan, for you, and for me.

The legendary preacher, Charles Spurgeon once said, “Discernment is not simply a matter of telling the difference between what is right and wrong; rather it is the difference between right and almost right.”

If you’ve ever been to Israel, you know that Shabbat—what we call the Sabbath—is a big deal. It starts Friday at sundown and goes until Saturday at sundown, and let me tell you, the whole country gets ready for it like clockwork. Friday mornings are busy—really busy. The outdoor markets are packed, folks are rushing around grabbing last-minute groceries, cleaning house, cooking meals, and getting everything wrapped up before things shut down. By the time the sun sets, the streets get quiet, the stores close, and life slows down. For the next 24 hours, it’s all about rest.

Watching Yeshua (Jesus) lay down His life to die on the cross was not what His disciples were expecting, but rather a shocking, perplexing, and apparently hopeless ending to what had seemed like a promising fulfillment of Messianic hope. The shattering ordeal of Yeshua’s trials, torture, and horrific death must have left them all feeling bereft, miserable, and uncertain of the future. What would they do now? What would their future hold?